9319486 Zeigler It is a major challenge to the study of brain and behavior to understand how complex movements are generated, and further, to understand how the control systems for movement are put in place during an organisms development. Grasping in the pigeon is functionally analogous to the prehensile behavior of humans, but is mediated by a somewhat simpler neuromotor system -- the jaw. Dr. Zeigler's group will examine the ontogeny of grasping behavior in pigeons and determine its relation to the development of the orosensory tactile system of the jaw. These studies will greatly expand current ideas about how sensory information is used to guide movement. The findings will have significance for our understanding of the evolution of neural control, and have practical payoffs by identifying control strategies for the guidance of motoric systems. ***
